Q: If I donate, how much money actually goes to help people?

A: Asking this question is important, no matter what organization you may be dealing with. The Network has practices in place to ensure that our overhead costs do not exceed 10% of our annual operating budget. That means more money goes to project work, where it belongs.

Q: Is my contribution tax deductible? What about volunteer placement fees?

A: Since we are registered in the US as a 501C3 tax exempt organization, any donation made by a US citizen to our organization is tax deductible [See the IRS website for full details].

It is likely that volunteer placement fees will NOT qualify for deductions. [Note: Citizens from other nationalities may also qualify for benefits based on certain contributions which are recognized by their governments as "charitable".]

Q: Can I contribute to your causes by shipping school supplies or other items to Kenya?

A: Yes but we suggest making a monetary donation so we can buy the supplies in country. This keeps money in the local economy and ensures that students are given the type of notebooks and materials they require. We do encourage interested parties to donate items such as specialized teaching materials that cannot be purchased in Africa. If you have something to ship, please contact us for instructions on how to proceed.

Q: Are your volunteer placements safe? How do I know that I [or my son/daughter/friend/loved one] will be in good hands with your organization?

A: Although a certain amount of risk is involved with working as an international volunteer, we go to great lengths to be sure that our placements are safe. Each of our host families undergo a screening process before they are ever allowed to accomodate volunteers. With us, volunteers work as an integral member of our team. This means that they are a part of our support system of staff and contacts throughout the country. They're not alone. We always do whatever we can to assist our volunteers.

Q: What is the process of volunteering with your organization? How do I pay my placement fees, etc?

A: Becoming a Network volunteer begins with filling out our web based application and submitting it to our staff for review. After a day or two, we will notify you of the outcome. Once accepted, you will receive a welcome email with a full set of details for your placement. This is the point where you make a "go-no-go" decision.

Once you've decided to work with us, you'll need to fill out our volunteer questionnaire, emergency contact, and waiver of liability forms [provided as attachments to your welcome email]. These forms must either be mailed to our US based directors before you leave the country or delivered to our field office in person once you arrive in Kenya.

The next steps are to submit your placement fee [which varies depending on the length of time you wish to volunteer] via our secure online contribution center, purchase your airfare, and complete any other necessary travel arrangements. Placement fees must be paid at least 30 days prior to arrival and are not refundable in most cases.

Your question isn't here? Email us: info@networkofchange.org